Heaslip announces retirement from Rugby

By Daniel Pitcher

26 February 2018

Ireland and Leinster's Jamie Heaslip has announced his immediate retirement from Rugby.

The number 8 confirmed the news on his Twitter account this morning.

Heaslips announcement comes amid much speculation over when a possible return to play would be, as he was in rehabilitation on a lower back injury he suffered before Ireland's Six Nations clash with England at the Aviva Stadium.

His last appearance in the green shirt was against Wales in the 2017 RBS 6 Nations Championship in Cardiff. He scored 13 tries for his country including the World Rugby Try of the Year against Italy in 2016.

Heaslip made his Leinster Rugby debut in March 2005 against Neath Swansea Ospreys coming off the bench in a 12-16 loss in Donnybrook.

Since then he has added a further 228 caps to his Leinster CV, scoring 38 tries in the process and is the most capped Leinster forward of all-time.

In his time with Leinster Rugby, Heaslip won three Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and three Celtic League/PRO12 titles and was named captain of the side in August 2014.

"A lot of players unfortunately don't get the opportunity to bow out on their own terms but thankfully having taken my time and after medical advice and consultation with my wife and close family, I have taken this decision with my future well-being in mind." Heaslip told LeinsterRugby.ie

"Since my rugby journey began pulling on a jersey in Naas, to Newbridge College and Dublin University, all I've ever wanted was to represent Leinster but I've been lucky enough to exceed even my own wildest dreams with a career that I am hugely proud of with Leinster, Ireland and with the British & Irish Lions.

"Playing in the blue, green and red jersey gave me some unbelievable moments, but running out in the white of Trinity in College Park or out of the RDS tunnel and into the Leinster lunatics in the Laighin Pit are memories that are just as precious to me and ones that I will miss dearly.

"I have always said that rugby is just one side to me and that there are other avenues that I am keen to explore and that opportunity has come earlier than I would have liked but I feel that I am in a good place to take that next step.

"There are too many coaches, team mates, players and people for me to mention right now but you have all played a part in my journey and I am grateful for the part played.

"I would like to thank most sincerely the doctors, the physios and the S&C team in Leinster Rugby and the IRFU for their help throughout my career but in particular over the last 12 months. No stone was left unturned by them, or I, as we sought a way back.

"To my wife Sheena, to my parents, my family and friends, thank you for your love and support.

"Finally, to the Leinster, Ireland and Lions supporters. We've enjoyed some incredible highs together, and indeed some lows, but it was an honour to represent you all and I hope that I have left all three jerseys in a better place.”